What Are Deacons? (with Matt Smethurst)

January 5, 2023January 5, 2023Kirk E. Miller

The Bible presents two offices (or formal positions) within the local church: elders (also called overseers and pastors) and deacons, which means “servants.” But what exactly are deacons? Who should serve as a church’s deacons? How are deacons meant to function? And why are they so very, very important to the health and mission of a church? Matt Smethurst joins us to discuss these matters and more.

Access the episode here. (Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and more.)

What Are Deacons? (CrossWay)

November 17, 2020Kirk E. Miller

Key Passages: Passages that refer to “deacons,” using this word “servant” in a more official capacity to refer to a position within the church, are 1 Tim 3:8-13 and Phil 1:1. Other passages that possibly refer to deacons are Acts 6:1-7; Rom 16:1.

1 Timothy 3.8-13 – 8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

CrossWay’s Deacons & Elders Manual.